Passport Photo Requirements by Country

Most countries require: a recent photo (taken within 6 months), plain white/light background, neutral expression, full face visible, eyes open, no glasses, and specific dimensions (usually 2x2 inches for US/India or 35x45mm for EU/UK). Requirements follow international ICAO standards for biometric compatibility.

Yes, you can take your own passport photo at home with a smartphone or digital camera. Set up against a white wall with good lighting, follow the positioning guidelines, and use our free tool to resize to your country's exact specifications. Many people save significant money by taking their own photos.

Your passport application will be rejected or delayed. This can add weeks or months to your processing time and may require additional fees for resubmission. Some countries allow you to correct issues before rejection, while others will deny the application entirely and require starting over.

No, requirements vary significantly by country. While many share similar rules (neutral expression, plain background), sizes differ: US uses 2x2 inches (51x51mm), UK/EU use 35x45mm, and other variations exist. Background color requirements, glasses policies, and digital specifications also vary. Always check your specific country's requirements.

Most countries require your photo to be taken within the last 6 months. More importantly, the photo must accurately represent your current appearance. If you've had significant changes (weight, hairstyle, facial hair, age-related changes), take a new photo even if your previous one is recent.

Most countries now prohibit glasses in passport photos. The United States, UK, EU countries, Canada, Australia, and India all require glasses to be removed. This is due to issues with glare, reflections, and facial recognition accuracy. A few countries still allow glasses without glare, but removing them is the safest choice.

Most countries require a plain white or light gray (off-white) background. The United States and India specifically require white. Some European countries accept light gray. A few countries like Indonesia require blue or red backgrounds. The background must be uniform with no patterns, shadows, or visible objects.

No, smiling showing teeth is not allowed in passport photos in virtually all countries. You must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed. This requirement exists because facial recognition systems are optimized for neutral expressions. A slight, natural closed-mouth expression is acceptable.

Yes, head coverings worn daily for religious purposes are permitted in most countries. However, your full face must be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and from ear to ear. The head covering cannot cast shadows on your face. Some countries may require a letter confirming religious practice.

Most countries require JPEG (.jpg) format for digital passport photo uploads. File size limits vary: US requires 240KB-10MB, UK accepts up to 10MB, and some countries have stricter limits (like India's OCI at 300KB max). Resolution should be at least 300 DPI with dimensions matching your country's pixel requirements.